ATLRetro

Monday, Feb. 11

Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Enjoy BBQ and Dry White Toast at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Don’t have a Valentine? Splatter Cinema shows you how to make one with a special screening at 9:30 p.m. of FRANKENHOOKER (1990) directed by BASKET CASE’s notorious Frank Henenlotter, at the Plaza Theatre. In addition to the usual pre-movie photo shoot, catch a special interview with star Patty Mullen. Read our Retro Review here. Hilarious Mel Brooks comedy western BLAZING SADDLES (1974) plays a second week as the retro cinema classic  at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m., or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for some old school R & B, rock ‘n roll and blues with Crosstown Allstars.

Wednesday, Feb. 13

“I’m wearing black. You’re wearing black. Let’s head to Mary’s in East Atlanta for a Goth Nite: St. Valentine’s Massacre. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission blues it down at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Melba Moore. Photo credit: James Mitchell.

Valentine’s Day, Thursday, Feb. 14

Make a date with FRIDA AND DIEGO: PASSION, POLITICS AND PAINTING, a blockbuster special exhibition showcasing the works of one of art’s most famous couples, which opens today at The High Museum of Art. Starring Tony Award winning actress and legendary singer Melba Moore, electrifying comedy GOOD GOD A’MIGHTY takes audiences behind-the-scenes look inside an African-American church in the midst of change at the 14th Street Playhouse, starting tonight and running through Feb. 24. Watch out for ATLRetro’s exclusive interview with Melba soon! Ruby Velle Trio brings some soul to The Family Dog. Big Mike is back with Tongo Hiti all month at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s, where you can relax with a cocktail while listening to Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party, now on Thursdays.  Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear Chickenshack.

Friday, Feb. 15

Burlesque beauties Minette Magnifique shimmy into something more comfortable during the first of two nights of Cupid’s Pajama Party, their Valentine’s Day show at the beautiful Le Maison Rouge at Paris on Ponce. featuring special guest stars Chad Sanborn and Ninja Puppet Theatre. Watch for a sneak preview with Kool Kat of the Week Darcy Lemonnier soon. The Plaza Theatre launches week-long runs of two cult classics, RE-ANIMATOR (1985) and REEFER MADNESS (1936). Make love the Latin way – on the dance floor – when Salsambo Dance Studio throws a Salsa Night under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Atlanta Lyric Theatre takes you back to the heyday of girl groups such as The Chiffons, The Supremes, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin in high-energy musical revue BEEHIVE at the vintage Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta, starting tonight and running through March 3.Head to Northside Tavern to hear Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck bring you the gospel blues.

Saturday, Feb. 16

The Atlanta Rollergirls launch their 2013 season with bouts between the Denim Demons vs Toxic Shocks and Rumble Bs vs Fort Myers, FL, at the Yaarab Shrine Center. Burlesque beauties Minette Magnifique shimmy into something more comfortable during the second of two nights of Cupid’s Pajama Party, their Valentine’s Day show at the beautiful Le Maison Rouge at Paris on Ponce. featuring special guest stars Chad Sanborn and Ninja Puppet Theatre. Rocket to Ruin reunite for a dirty hard-edged  throwdown with Dreaded Marco, Bigfoot, featuring Kool Kat Jett Bryant, and Casket Creatures at Smith’s Olde Bar. One of Atlanta’s best postpunk garage bands, Subsonics, open for The Woggles at Star Bar. The Jagged Stones, featuring Kool Kat Keef Richards, head all the way OTP to rock The Cove Bar & Grill in Dallas, GA. Tommy Dean honktonks it up at Big Tex. Some of the South’s finest female vocalists, Michelle Malone, Dede Vogt, Caroline Aiken and Danielle Howle perform at Red Clay Theatre in Duluth. As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night. Tony Byrd plays Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint.

Sunday, Feb. 17

The Dark Star Orchestra brings the Force of The Grateful Dead to Variety Playhouse. Cleveland’s The Two Gentleman Band brings country swing to The Five Spot with Rolling Nowhere. Yacht Rock Revue rocks some classics into Sweetwater Brewing Company at 2 p.m. Kris Youmans Band makes it a honkytonk brunch at noon at Big Tex. The Skylarks play dunch starting at 1 p.m. at The Earl. Francine Reed and The Trio jazz up The Family Dog. Join Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern to wrap up your weekend or check out the blues at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack with Tony Bryant.

Frida Kahlo. Photo credit: Nickolas Muray

Ongoing

Starring Tony Award winning actress and legendary singer Melba Moore, electrifying comedy GOOD GOD A’MIGHTY takes audiences behind-the-scenes look inside an African-American church in the midst of change at the 14th Street Playhouse from February 14-24. Watch out for ATLRetro’s exclusive interview with Melba soon!

Experience a darkly romantic version of DRACULA as presented by the Atlanta Ballet, through Feb. 16, at Cobb Energy Centre. Read ATLRetro’s exclusive preview here.

The Plaza Theatre launches week-long runs of two cult classics, RE-ANIMATOR (1985) and REEFER MADNESS (1936) on Friday Feb. 15.

Make a date with FRIDA AND DIEGO: PASSION, POLITICS AND PAINTING, a blockbuster special exhibition showcasing the works of one of art’s most famous couples, at The High Museum of Art from Feb. 14-May 12.

Atlanta Lyric Theatre takes you back to the heyday of girl groups such as The Chiffons, The Supremes, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin in high-energy musical revue BEEHIVE at the vintage Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. Feb. 15-March 3.

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 4

Monday is Big Band Night at Café 290 with featuring Joe Gransden. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Enjoy BBQ and Dry White Toast at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, Feb. 5

There’s only one The Residents and they’re playing Variety Playhouse. Catch Leon Redbone at Eddie’s Attic. Inspired by the 1980s movie, FLASHDANCE: THE MUSICAL starts a weeklong run at the Fox Theatre. Hilarious Mel Brooks comedy western BLAZING SADDLES (1974) is this week’s retro cinema classic film at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m., or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for some old school R & B, rock ‘n roll and blues with Crosstown Allstars.

Wednesday, Feb. 6

Honky punk it down with Grim Rooster, featuring last week’s Kool Kat Phil Stair, open for Canada’s Corb Lund at Smith’s Olde Bar. Be enamored by the eclectic sounds of Jeffrey Butzer, Lily and the Tigers, and Book of Colors at 529. If you missed our Kool Kat on Jeffrey, catch up on it here. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission blues it down at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tongo Hiti.

Thursday, Feb. 7

Big Mike is back with Tongo Hiti all month at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s, where you can relax with a cocktail while listening to Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Atlanta Burlesque and Cabaret Society hosts its monthly meeting at Eliot Street Pubin the Old Fourth Ward. North Alabama garage rockers Nightmare BOyzzz play a free show at Star Bar, along with Bad Brains tribute band Fearless Vampire Killers, G/H/B (Get High Boyz) and Adam Änzio. Joe Gransden joins guitarist Sal Gentile for an evening of jazz standards at Pricci. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party, now on Thursdays. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, BLAZING SADDLES (1974), at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear Chickenshack.

The Whiskey Gentry.

Friday, Feb. 8

Experience a darkly romantic version of DRACULA as presented by the Atlanta Ballet, starting tonight and running through Feb. 16, at Cobb Energy Centre. The Whiskey Gentry, featuring Kool Kat Lauren Staley Morrow, kick off a two-night stand at The Earl, tonight playing with two of Nashville’s finest – Jacob Jones and JP Harris and the Tough Choices. Fat Back Deluxe rock the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. The Breeze Kings play both their originals and blues standards under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Head to Northside Tavern to hear Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck bring you the gospel blues.

Saturday, Feb. 9

Get romantic the rockabilly way at a special Valentine’s-themed Mon Cherie’s Rockabilly Lounge, emceed by this week’s Kool Kat, Miss Mason. Indeed the night is chock full of Kool Kats from DJ Rev. Andy spinning Psychobilly Freakout to headline band The Stumblers, featuring Kool Kat Keith Martin, plus burlesque, a raffle and more. Just go straight to Hell at The Masquerade. The Syrens of the South present their annual V-Day Vixen’s Valentease Burlesque Show at The Five Spot, featuring The Magic of Chad Sanborn, Katherine Lashe, Lola le Soleil, Tru Bliss, and a special treat of man meat, The Gentleman Callers from Athens, just to name a few! Doors are at 8 and proceeds benefit Good Mews Cat Rescue. Spend the afternoon learning to hula hoop in a class with another Kool Kat Rebecca Deshon-Gilbert, of Hoop Essence, at Core Studios Decatur. The Whiskey Gentry, featuring Kool Kat Lauren Staley Morrow, continue thir two-night stand at The Earl, this time with Folk Soul Revival and Josh Roberts & The Hinges. Jazz great Wynton Marsalis accompanies the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night. Tony Byrd plays Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint.

Sunday, Feb. 10

Recent Kool Kat Kitty Love throws a “Carnival of Love” in her monthly Sultry Sunday burlesque show series at Red Light Cafe, this time featuring her Cheeky Belles along with local guest stars. Whoa Nelly makes it a honkytonk brunch at noon at Big Tex. The Wheel Knockers play dunch starting at 1 p.m. at The Earl. The Trio and Gwen Hughes jazz up The Family Dog. Join Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern to wrap up your weekend or check out the blues at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack with Fatback Deluxe.

Ongoing

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Joe Gransden.

By Zohra Yaqub
Calendar Editor

Monday, Jan. 21

Monday is Big Band Night at Café 290 with jazz trumpet great, Gordon Vernick, and Audrey Shakir. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Enjoy some good BBQ and some good music at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack with Pead Boy & The Pork Bellys.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Catch Atlanta native and lead singer of Collective Soul, Ed Roland, at Eddie’s Attic at 9 p.m. His latest project, Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project, started out as a jam session among musical friends and with the release of a debut album, they are hitting the road to play for the sweet tea-lovin’masses. Agent 45 presents Deep Funk at 529 with DJ Buscrates bringing you the heaviest collection of deep funk records you will hear in Atlanta. Frankly, my dear, we don’t care if you don’t give a damn – you can’t miss this week’s retro cinema classic film, GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Directed by Victor Fleming and starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, and Thomas Mitchell. Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m., or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for some old school R & B, rock ‘n roll and blues with J. T. Speed.

Wednesday, Jan. 23

Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern. The holidays are over, but you can still enjoy The Hollidays music at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Thursday, Jan. 24

Marshall Crenshaw and the Bottle Rockets bring back new wave to Peachtree Tavern. Gino Vannelli will be joined by Joe Gransden and Wes Funderburk at Variety Playhouse at 8 p.m. Make sure to stick around after the show for a meet-and-greet with the jazz pop artist whose career started in the funkadelic 70s, Vannelli.Head over to Atlanta’s dirty little secret, Clermont Lounge, to hear the punk and blues sounds of The Joy Kills. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party, now on Thursdays. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, GONE WITH THE WIND, at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. New Wave classics versus Booty-shaking Eurodance will get your moving and rare and underground music videos will be playing on the screens throughout night. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s, where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack to hear Chicken Shack.

Friday, Jan. 25

Franken-Party, the launching pad for the Franken-Tour of neo-glam band, The Sexual Side Effects, featuring Kool Kat Amber Taylor, is at The Drunken Unicorn. Franken-Party lives up to its patched-together name by also being part MeteorEYES Winter Migration Tour and including Go, Robo! Go!, artwork, go-go dancers, body painting and a light show. A beautifully restored WHITE ZOMBIE (1932), starring Bela Lugosi, starts a one-week run through Thurs. Jan. 31 at the Plaza Theatre. If you missed our Retro Review, catch up here. Get in your Deloreans and drive out to Midtown Art Theater for Midnight Madness to catch a screening of BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985), directed by Robert Zemekis and starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson. But make sure you keep it below 88 mph! You’ll get some satisfaction when you go to Wild Wings Café in Alpharetta to catch The Rolling Stones cover band, The Jagged Stones, featuring recent Kool Kat Keef Richards. Shriek Theater Movie Night presents An

Keef Richards

Apocalyptic Double Feature at DooGallery at 8 p.m. MAD MAX (1979) and MAD MAX 2: THE ROAD WARRIOR (1981), both directed by George Miller and starring Mel Gibson as the title character, will be screened. Make your way out to Buford to catch Yacht Rock Schooner at 37 Main. David Wilcox, singer-songwriter who has been making music for more than 20 years, is playing Eddie’s Attic at 8 p.m. Make your way up to Grayson to hear high energy 80s and 90s rock at Cooper’s Corner with Roadhouse. Enjoy a mix of New Orleans funk and R&B with The Mar-tans under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Grab some BBQ at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and listen to the blues with Johnny Scales or head to Northside Tavern to hear Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck bring you the gospel blues.

Saturday, Jan. 26

Electric Western presents Keep on Moving! The Rock and Soul Dance Party is in The Basement located under Graveyard Tavernin East Atlanta. Blast-Off Burlesque presents Taboo-La-La screening the 1968 classic, BARBARELLA, starring Jane Fonda. The movie starts at 10 p.m., but make sure you arrive at 9 p.m. to party with DJ Westwood A Go-Go and check out our Retro Review here. Prince tribute band, The Purple Xperience, is playing at 37 Main in Buford. Richard Bicknell, an Atlanta favorite since the 1980s, brings his folk-rock style music to Eddie’s Attic at 7 p.m. Ghost Riders Car Club honkytonks it up at Star Bar with guests Willie Heath Neal and JJ & The Hustlers. Camper Van Beethoven rock the Earl, with District Attorneys featuring Kool Kat Drew Beskin opening. As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night. Hear the legendary R&B and jazz stylings of Nat George & The Nat George Players at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint at 6:30 p.m. The Tone Prophets are bringing retro rock and rhythm & blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern this weekend.

Photo courtesy of Yacht Rock Revue.

Sunday, Jan. 27

Tag Team goes to Hawaii! And so can you! Don your best Hawaiian shirt and head over to The Earl at 1 p.m. to enjoy some hangover-friendly live music. Yacht Rock Revue are playing a benefit show for local Atlanta chef, Ryan Hidinger, who is battling Stage IV gallbladder cancer. The Team Hidi Benefit show will be at King Plow Event Gallery and tickets are $150. Hidinger is the chef at Muss & Turner’s in Smyrna and Local Three in Atlanta. Catch Seth Glier and Peter Mulvey at Eddie’s Attic at 7 p.m. Glier’s voice has been compared to both Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel and look for Mulvey to mix classic standards with original songs. Join Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern to wrap up your weekend or check out the blues at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack with Fatback Deluxe.

Ongoing

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History. Closes January 21, 2013.

Monday, Jan. 14

Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Enjoy some good BBQ and some good music at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack with Pead Boy & The Pork Bellys.

Tuesday, Jan. 15

Catch Atlanta native and lead singer of Collective Soul, Ed Roland, at Eddie’s Attic at 8 p.m. His latest project, Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project, started out as a jam session among musical friends and with the release of a debut album, they are hitting the road to play for the sweet tea-lovin’ masses. Don’t miss this week’s retro cinema classic film, PSYCHO (1960) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Directed by legendary filmmaker, Alfred Hitchcock, and starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles. Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m., or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for some old school R & B, rock ‘n roll and blues with J. T. Speed.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

Take cover at The Shelter and enjoy an All Brit Pop Night starting at 9 p.m. Lots of Brit pop classics along with some new favorites, rare videos, and free admission. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern. The holidays are over, but you can still enjoy The Hollidays music at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Thursday, Jan. 17

Minette Magnifique presents Beach Babes Bonanza Burlesque at The Warren City Club. Does the cold weather have you daydreaming of the beach, sand and sun? Come out and enjoy a night with Kool Kat Vyolet Venom and remember to use your Scoutmob deal for this event! Head over to Atlanta’s dirty little secret, Clermont Lounge, to catch the all female Elvis tribute band, Pelvis Breastlies, Betty Rebel, and Walk from the Gallows at 10 p.m. Make your way down to The Basement located under the Graveyard Tavern to hear the southern rock sounds of Beitthemeans with Degradations, and Grim Pickins & The Bastard Congregation. This highway to hell begins at 9:30 p.m. and tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Team Luis presents a free show with Thursday Deluxe, Ghost Bikini and The Maverick 100s at Star Bar! Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, PSYCHO, at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. New Wave classics versus Booty-shaking Eurodance will get your moving and rare and underground music videos will be playing on the screens throughout night. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s, where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack to hear Chicken Shack featuring Eddie Tigner.

Friday, Jan. 18

Mon Cherie presents Incognito: Red & White Party at The Masquerade. Enjoy an Angels vs. Devils costume contest, live fetish performances and go-go dancers! Catch the world premiere of WHITE ZOMBIE (1932), digitally restored with a Q&A session to follow, at the Plaza Theater at 8 p.m. Directed by Victor Halperin and starring Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, and Joseph Cawthorn. Read our Retro Review here. Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water, Midnight Madness at Midtown Art Theater presents JAWS (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss. Swing down to Northside Tavern to hear the swing and blues sounds of Stoney Brooks or make your way up to Grayson to hear southern rock at Cooper’s Corner with The Ron Kimble Band. Spice things up with sassy Latin rhythms and free dance lessons from Salsambo Dance Studio under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Photo courtesy of Yacht Rock Revue.

Saturday, Jan. 19

PleaseRock presents the Yacht Rock Revue and friends performing, in their entirety, Pink Floyd’s DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, the soundtrack to ANCHORMAN, and XTC’s BLACK SEA album at the Variety Playhouse! Get fancy and get swinging with Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks as they play at the Mandarin Hotel on Peachtree from 8 p.m. until midnight. Grammy award winning Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra returns to the Rialto Center! Party Panda Productions and Stomp & Stammer presents Rockin’ for Bobby Sutliff featuring Rain Parade in their first show in 25 years, The Tim Lee 3 and The Head. Sutliff was the singer, guitarist and songwriter for the Windbreakers; he was hurt badly in an auto accident in June. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night. Hear the legendary R&B and jazz stylings of Nat George & The Nat George Players at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint at 6:30 p.m. and the Urban Tattoo Band brings the groove back at Cooper’s Corner in Grayson. The Stooge Brothers are playing the blues and rocking it out at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Albert White is electrifying the blues for you at Northside Tavern.

Sunday, Jan. 20

Enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with Tim & Susan Lee playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl. Join Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern to wrap up your weekend or check out the blues at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack with Fatback Deluxe.

Ongoing

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History. Closes January 21, 2013.

Joe Gransden.

Monday, Jan. 7

Monday is big band night at Café 290! Come and celebrate Joe Gransden’s big band birthday bash with guest Taryn Newborne at 8 p.m.  Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Enjoy some good BBQ and some good music at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack with Pead Boy & The Pork Bellys.

Rebecca DeShon of HoopEssence. Photo credit: Stephanie Anderson.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

Hula Hoop your way to that New Year’s resolution of losing those holiday pounds with Kool Kat Rebecca Deshon-Gilbert of HoopEssence. She starts a new Hoop Dance Fitness class at the also-new Studio Burlesque. Splatter Cinema presents a 25th birthday celebration of CHILD’S PLAY (1987) at the Plaza Theater at 9:30 p.m. Directed by Tom Holland and starring Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon and Alex Vincent, this movie makes you never want to buy your child a toy again. Read our Retro Review here. Don’t miss this week’s retro cinema classic film based on a classic book, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory Peck as “Atticus Finch”, Mary Badham as “Scout” and Robert Duvall as “Boo Radley”. Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m., or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for some old school R & B, rock ‘n roll and blues with J. T. Speed.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

Set your Christmas tree aflame literally at Noni’s during TreeTorch 2013! Marshmallows and music provided, drop off your old tree anytime prior to the event. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party, and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern.

Thursday, Jan. 10

Love local bands? Get yourself to Star Bar in Little 5 Points and catch four Atlanta favorites. Cinch & The Aftermath will kick things off at 9 p.m. They will be followed by Starfighter, The Locksmyth and closing out the night will be Till Someone Loses an Eye. Come out to Noni’s and help decide who will be crowned Miss Edgewood Ave 2013! Liliana Bakhtiari and Brigitte Bidet bring you a salacious assortment of radiantly eccentric performers who will all be striving for the most sought after crown this side of I-75, and the rights to be named the baddest bitch on Edgewood! Were you able to score tickets to a rare and intimate evening at Variety Playhouse with Guster Friday night? If not, make sure you jump on the chance to get tickets to Thursday’s show! Guster is on tour in support of their latest album with the Yellowbirds. Head over to Atlanta’s dirty little secret, Clermont Lounge, to catch the honkytonk sound of Kool Kats Ghost Riders Car Club. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. New Wave classics versus Booty-shaking Eurodance will get your moving and rare and underground music videos will be playing on the screens throughout night. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s, where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings.

Friday, Jan. 11

Take refuge 1920s/1930s style at The Shelter for Ritual’s Speakeasy Gangster Theme Party! Guster is playing a sold-out show at Variety Playhouse with the Yellowbirds. The Star Bar welcomes back Andrew & the Disapyramids, featuring Kool Kat Joshua Longino, brings back ’60s-inspired sound and style with special guests The Cherry Bomb and Cadillac Junkies. Swing down to Northside Tavern to hear Georgia Music Legend Award Winner, Beverly “Guitar” Watkins or make your way up to Grayson to hear southern rock at Cooper’s Corner with The Ron Kimble Band. Party with some soulful, sounthern-fried funk with Abby Wren and What It Is under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Saturday, Jan. 12

Catch the rockabilly swing of Blacktop Rockets at Star Bar, supported by Kool Kat Julea (Thomerson) and Her Dear Johns. Rock out at Darwin’s Burgers and Blues with Kool Kat Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-DeVilles ! And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night. Hear the legendary R&B and jazz stylings of Nat George & The Nat George Players at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint at 6:30 p.m. and the Highway Katz play classic rock at Cooper’s Corner in Grayson.

Russell Bruner

Sunday, Jan. 13

What better way to wind-down your weekend than to head over to Red Light Café for Kitty Love’s Sultry Sunday featuring the reigning king of burlesque, Russell Bruner? Kitty Love is our Kool Kat of the Week; watch out for our exclusive interview soon. Enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with Chicken and Pigs playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013.

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History. Closes January 21, 2013.

Joe Gransden.

Monday, Dec. 17

Monday is big band night at Café 290! Come out and catch Joe Gransden with guest Francine Reed at 8 p.m.  Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, Dec. 18

Chickens and Pigs plus 23 guest singers celebrate the Seventh Annual Keith Richards Birthday Bash, as Rock’s Worst Role Model continues to outlive everyone who tries to be Keith Richards. The party at The Earl benefits Ovarian Cycle, a local organization raising funds for ovarian cancer research.Don’t miss this week’s retro cinema classic, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. The Christmas classic is directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Check out the Tommy Dean Trio at the Georgia Shrimp Company in Peachtree City as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul and great American songbook standards. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m., or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

Alex Cooley presents a special benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Acoustic Road of Drivin ‘n Cryin – Kevin Kinney – and the Mystery Roadsters, Dave V. Johnson, Sadler Vaden, Dave Franklin, Ed Roland, Tom Gray, Mark Johnson, Thad Cockrell and special guest from Drag The River at Eddie’s Attic. Warm your bones and spread some holiday cheer with a good ‘ol fashioned ho-ho-ho down at the Star Bar Country Christmas with Willie Heath Neal, Rod Hamdallah and Grim Rooster (with special guest drummer TigerBeat Tony). Concrete Blonde rocks the Variety Playhouse. Don’t miss Joe Gransden’s Big Holiday Show with Francine Reed at the Red Clay Theater! Head out to see this 16-piece big band pair up with the legendary jazz diva to bring you great holiday classics. Come out to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to listen to the sweet blues sounds of The Breeze Kings at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern.

Jeffrey Butzer.

Thursday, Dec. 20

Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony perform Vince Guaraldi’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS at Nine Street Kitchen in Roswell . This all-ages show is one of the new Christmas traditions in Atlanta and you can read up on it in our interview with Jeffrey here. Get into the Irish Christmas spirit when you attend Joy, An Irish Christmas at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Don’t miss acclaimed Irish singers, songwriters and recording artists Keith and Kristyn Getty for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas, the show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets range from $25 – $55. Head over to Atlanta’s dirty little secret, Clermont Lounge, to attend a Christmas party you don’t want to miss. Today is the last Terrific Thursday when downtown Decatur stores offer discounts and wine and refreshments. After your shopping, attend Joe Gransden’s Big Holiday Show with Francine Reed, this time at Eddie’s Attic! Head out to see this 16-piece big band pair up with the legendary jazz diva to bring you great holiday classics. Take $7 with you to The Five Spot to hear the jazz-funk sounds of Nick and the Grooves with Questionable at Best. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. New Wave classics versus Booty-shaking Eurodance will get your moving and rare and underground music videos will be playing on the screens throughout night. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s, where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get your groove back at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint withThe Mar-Tans at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21

The world ends today so why not spend your last night on earth at the Atlanta Xmas Apocalypse, this year’s incarnation of “A Krampus Christmas” with the Little 5 Points Rockstar Orchestra (the same feral folks that brought you DRACULA: THE ROCK OPERA) at 7 Stages. Take a five spot to The Five Spot to groove to the classic funk hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s with the Atlanta Funk Society and The Apostles. You will have two chances to catch a Christmas show at Eddie’s Attic with indie singer-songwriter, Ryan Horne along with Micah Dalton, Nathan Angelo and Jonathan Rich. The Ron Kimble Band plays southern rock at Cooper’s Corner in Grayson. Swing down to Northside Tavern to hear Stoney Brooks original tunes and swinging covers. Spice things up with sassy Latin rhythms and free dance lessons from Salsambo Dance Studio under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Saturday, Dec. 22

Two chances to catch the Silver Screen Spookshow presents ABBOT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (1948) at the Plaza Theater at 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.! Professor Morte offers a unique brand of eerie entertainment, complete with a cast of creepy, colorful characters, scares, comedy and horrifically hip hijinks! Watch out for our Retro Review soon! Joe Strummer/Clash tribute band Know Your Rights thrashes The Earl, along with a screening of THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN, a 2007 documentary on Strummer directed by Julien Temple. The Band/Bob Dylan tribute band The Last Waltz Ensemble play their annual holiday show at Smith’s Olde Bar. Come out to Cooper’s Corner to party with The Rolling Stones cover band, The Jagged Stones, at 9 p.m. Read our Kool Kat interview with lead singer Keef Richards here. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night. Hear the legendary R&B and jazz stylings of Nat George & The Nat George Players at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint at 6:30 p.m.

Hustle for the Homeless.

Sunday, Dec. 23

Hustle for the Homeless at The Earl with J.J. and the Hustlers, Tag Team, The Dirty Knockouts and the original bad Santa, Santa Dang at 8 p.m. Free admission when you donate two or more cans which go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Georgia Legacy Foundation presents Stoop Down Sunday: A Benefit for Georgia Great, Chick Willis at Northside Tavern. Concert starts at noon features several of Atlanta favorite blues performers. David Ellington performs A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS at Eddie’s Attic at 3 p.m. Check out the Tommy Dean Trio at Big Tex Cantina in Decatur at noon as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul and great American songbook standards. Enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with Hoofingly playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Bumble menaces Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon in The Center for Puppetry Arts' live production of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER. Photo credit: Clay Walker.

Seasonal Activities

Are you dreaming of a WHITE CHRISTMAS? Head to The Strand Theater to catch the musical based on the beloved Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye film. Now through Sunday, Dec. 23.

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ official stage adaptation of the Rankin-Bass misfit Christmas TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is back for a third year with Rudolph, Clarisse, Hermie, Yukon and all the beloved characters. Read our interview with adapter/director and Center Artistic Director Jon Ludwig here. Now through Jan. 6.

Take part in an Atlanta tradition dating back more than 50 years! The Pink Pig is back at Macy’s in Lenox Square Mall. Ride the Macy’s Pink Pig Train on top of the mall through the 170-ft., 1950’s themed Pink Pig Tent. A portion of the ride’s proceeds will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Pink Pig will be at Lenox until Jan. 1.

All this week at The Horizon Theater, catch David Sedaris in THE SANTALAND DIARIES. An outrageous holiday comedy, written by award-winning satirical writer David Sedaris, stars Crumpet, a rebel without a Clause who recounts the true-life tale of an out-of-work writer’s stint as a Macy’s Department Store elf. Now through Dec. 30.

Award-winning Dad’s Garage offers a new take on the humbug Christmas classic with INVASION: CHRISTMAS CAROL. This nutty interpretation of the Dickens’ favorite throws all the conventional aspects of the story out the window, replacing them with a delicious improv flavor as different spirits visit every evening, to the surprise of even the cast! Shows run through Dec. 23 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, enjoy the 3rd annual WINTER WONDERLAND, featuring trees and other displays from around the world. New this year will be special photo opportunities with Fernbank’s holiday mascot, Santa-saurus and hop aboard the Santa-saurus Express train, through Jan. 6.

Ongoing

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013.

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History. Closes January 21, 2013.

By Zohra Yaqub
Contributing Writer

Be sure and check back throughout the week for updates!

Jeffrey Butzer.

Monday, Dec. 10

Avoid making inappropriate photocopies of yourself on the office copy machine this year by coming out to Mary’s Holiday Office Party! Dance to some vintage and lounge-y seasonal music and drink some (probably spiked) punch – party starts at 8 p.m. Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony perform Vince Guaraldi’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS at Nine Street Kitchen in Roswell . This all-ages show is one of the new Christmas traditions in Atlanta and you can read up on it in our interview with Jeffrey here. The Plaza Theatre and Atlanta Film Festival 365 kick off the holidays with a celebration at The Plaza at 7 p.m. Come for karaoke, games, Guitar Hero and of course, free beer! At Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, listen to the sweet blues sounds of The Breeze Kings at 6:30 p.m. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley.

Tuesday, Dec. 11

Splatter Cinema presents GREMLINS (1984) at The Plaza Theater, directed by Joe Dante and starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates and Hoyt Axton. Catch Aleck Bennett’s Retro Review. Don’t miss this week’s retro cinema classic, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. The Christmas classic is directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and Juliette Lewis. Check out the Tommy Dean Trio at the Georgia Shrimp Company in Peachtree City as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul and great American songbook standards. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m., or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Dec. 12

Remember when Peter Gabriel was the lead singer of Genesis? Windstorm Productions presents The Musical Box – The Exclusive Authorized Re-creation of Genesis’ “THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY” at Variety Playhouse. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern.

Thursday, Dec. 13

Windstorm Productions presents A John Waters Christmas at Variety Playhouse. Spend a night with the legendary actor/director/writer as he puts the “X” in Xmas. VIP admittance is at 6:45 p.m. and make sure you wear that awesome Christmas sweater which your aunt knit you for a meet-and-greet after the show. Gas South Broadway Series presents WEST SIDE STORY at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center thru Sunday, Dec. 16. Don’t miss the Broadway classic as it makes its way through Atlanta this weekend, tickets range from $17 – $60 and show times are at 8 p.m. Head over to Atlanta’s dirty little secret, Clermont Lounge for the Dirty Santa Party with Bethamines, southern rock band, Six Shot Revival, all female Elvis tribute band Pelvis Breastlies and Capt. Stubb Tuggo. Abby Wren and What It Is CD Release Dance Party at The Earl! The jazz/rock driven-funk band got their start in East Atlanta Village and will be joined by the vaudevillian rock and roll act from New Orleans, Dirty Bourbon River Show, and the soul/funk/jazz/classical Indian/world sound of Norman Frank and The Ghost Dance. Nothing says “Happy Holidays!” like Silent Night Deadly Night: Mary’s Holiday Goth Night. DJs Santa/Satan will be spinning classic goth anthems, death rock, industrial, new wave, cold wave, noise rock; party starts at 9 p.m. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1983) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. New Wave classics versus Booty-shaking Eurodance will get your moving and rare and underground music videos will be playing on the screens throughout night. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s, where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings.

Friday, Dec. 14

The Star Bar throws its 14th annual Toys for Tots Celebration hosted by the Dream Team of Ted Weldon and Rotkee and featuring a local all-star band line-up including Mystery Men, Bully, Ghost Riders Car Club, Lizard Men, Roswell Hillbillies (Kinks cover band) and Swingset. Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony perform Vince Guaraldi’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS at The Earl. Read up on it in our interview with Jeffrey here. Joe Gransden performs his holiday show with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Shizuo Z. Kuwahara at 8 p.m. The Ron Kimble Band plays southern rock at Cooper’s Corner in Grayson and catch the Chatham County Line Special Holiday Show at Variety Playhouse at 8:30 p.m. Swing down to Northside Tavern to hear Stoney Brooks original tunes and swinging covers.

Photo courtesy of Yacht Rock Revue.

Saturday, Dec. 15

The Yacht Rock Revue brings back the sweet sounds of 70s light rock to the Yacht Rock Holiday Special at Variety Playhouse. Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony perform a second night of Vince Guaraldi’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS at The Earl. The Academy Theatre and the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company presents, for the 13th consecutive year, An Atlanta Christmas. Memories of Christmas past, our city’s past, and our past are told in a series of short, distinct vignettes, joined together by the image of a family gathered around the Christmas tree at 8 p.m. 25% of total ticket sales will be donated to the Center for the Visually Impaired. Make sure you check out our ATLRetro preview of last year’s show. Come out to Cooper’s Corner to party with AC/DC cover band, Sin City Atlanta, at 9 p.m. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, Dec. 16

Get yourself on over to Variety Playhouse at 6 p.m. to party at the 2^nd Annual Holiday Hootenany with Deep Blue Sun, Papa Mali, Oteil Burbridge, Larry Keel, Col. Bruce Hampton Ret, The Mosier Brothers, Ike Stubblefield, Jeff Sipe, Count M’Butu, Grant Green Jr., and Gaurav Malhotra. Catch Joe Gransden at the Heritage Winter Classics in Sandy Springs with guest Francine Reed. Concerts start at 4:30 p.m. and the shows run one Sunday each month through February 2013. You have a second chance to enjoy Atlanta Radio Theatre Company presents An Atlanta Christmas at 2:30 p.m. at Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates. Catch another screening of GREMLINS (1984) at The Plaza Theater at 3 p.m. Lola Gulley’s Bluesin’ Toy Drive Festival is at Northside Tavern   from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m. Admission is a donation – money donations will go to the Atlanta Red Cross and toy donations will go to the Atlanta Union Mission. Enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with The Skylarks playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Lyric Theatre.

Seasonal Activities

Are you dreaming of a WHITE CHRISTMAS? Head to The Strand Theater to catch Atlanta Lyric Theatre‘s production of the Broadway musical based on the beloved Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye film. Now through Sunday, Dec. 23.

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ official stage adaptation of the Rankin-Bass misfit Christmas TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is back for a third year with Rudolph, Clarisse, Hermie, Yukon and all the beloved characters. Read our interview with adapter/director and Center Artistic Director Jon Ludwig here. Now through Jan. 6.

Take part in an Atlanta tradition dating back more than 50 years! The Pink Pig is back at Macy’s in Lenox Square Mall. Ride the Macy’s Pink Pig Train on top of the mall through the 170-ft., 1950’s themed Pink Pig Tent. A portion of the ride’s proceeds will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Pink Pig will be at Lenox until Jan. 1.

Bumble menaces Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon in The Center for Puppetry Arts' live production of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER. Photo credit: Clay Walker.

Catch THE SANTALAND DIARIES at The Horizon Theater.  An outrageous holiday comedy, written by award-winning satirical writer David Sedaris, it stars Crumpet, a rebel without a Clause who recounts the true-life tale of an out-of-work writer’s stint as a Macy’s Department Store elf. Now through Dec. 30.

Award-winning Dad’s Garage offers a new take on the humbug Christmas classic with INVASION: CHRISTMAS CAROL. This nutty interpretation of the Dickens’ favorite throws all the conventional aspects of the story out the window, replacing them with a delicious improv flavor as different spirits visit every evening, to the surprise of even the cast! Shows run through Dec. 23 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, enjoy the 3rd annual WINTER WONDERLAND, featuring trees and other displays from around the world. New this year will be special photo opportunities with Fernbank’s holiday mascot, Santa-saurus and hop aboard the Santa-saurus Express train, through Jan. 6.

Ongoing

Gas South Broadway Series presents WEST SIDE STORY at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center through Sunday, Dec. 16. Don’t miss the Broadway classic as it makes its way through Atlanta this weekend, tickets range from $17 – $60 and show times are at 8 p.m. with a special afternoon performance on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013.

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History. Closes January 21, 2013.

If you have a Retro event you’d like to see listed in this weekly calendar, don’t forget to drop the details to atlretro@gmail.com. 

Monday, Dec. 3

Come out to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to listen to the high-energy jazz sounds of the Jacob Deaton Trio at 6:30 p.m. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to check out Pead Boy & The Pork Bellys at 1:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Catch this week’s retro cinema classic, A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. The Christmas classic is directed by Bob Clark and starring Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin and Peter Billingsley as “Ralphie,” the little boy who tries to convince everyone that a Red Ryder B. B. Gun is the perfect Christmas gift. Check out the Tommy Dean Trio at the Georgia Shrimp Company in Peachtree City as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul and great American songbook standards. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. The Crosstown Allstars are rocking the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

The Shelter is playing all your Brit pop favorites, from classics by New Order and The Stone Roses to new favorites by The Good Natured, and the party starts at 9 p.m. Head over to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to listen to the sweet blues of The Breeze Kings at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party! Frankie’s Blues Mission is on a mission to bring the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern.

Thursday, Dec. 6

Three Bad Jacks and Kool Kat Rod Hamdallah are opening at The Earl at 8:30 p.m. Are you interested in burlesque performers, shows, performing and photography? Come down to the Elliott Street Pub for the Atlanta Burlesque & Cabaret Club Meeting to watch a burlesque show, followed by a local burlesque to-do’s and events from all over the world, and highlight a photographer in Atlanta who contributes a lot to the burlesque community. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. New Wave classics versus Booty-shaking Eurodance will get your moving and rare and underground music videos will be playing on the screens throughout night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s.

Fader Vixen

Friday Dec. 7

Gallop over to Drunken Unicorn to hear the synthpop sounds of Fader Vixen, Mr. Gnome and Nobra Noma at 9 p.m., $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Don’t miss the longest and dirtiest show of the year at Cineprov! This is the fifth year of the Ruining Childhood Memories Holiday Shows, lots of your old favorites and lots of new surprises at Relapse Theater at 8 p.m. Come down to Cabbagetown and enjoy the 6th annual Stacks Lofts and Artist Tour this Friday and Saturday night. The lofts will be hosting local artists and restaurants so come out to buy some art, sip on wine and sample the hot delicious food! The Ron Kimble Band plays southern rock at Cooper’s Corner in Grayson, and Zydefunk is bringing the sounds of the bayou to Northside Tavern. Kool Kat Bernadette Seacrest will be performing under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Dec. 8

Blast-Off Productions presents SANTA’S SUPER SATURDAY at Plaza Theater! Live holiday floor show with sing-a-longs, a dance party, hot cider and a screening of EMMETT OTTERS JUG BAND CHRISTMAS! Come traverse the spans of time and space as the Imperial Secret Society Speakeasy rolls out the plush red carpet at Blue Mark Studios at 5 p.m. to take you to the times of American Prohibition, Victorian spectacle, and the pulp fiction mystery of the 60s, hearkening to everyone’s favorite British spy. The Academy Theatre and the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company presents, for the 1th consecutive year, An Atlanta Christmas. Memories of Christmas past, our city’s past, and our past are told in a series of short, distinct vignettes, joined together by the image of a family gathered around the Christmas tree. 25% of total ticket sales will be donated to the Center for the Visually Impaired. Make sure you check out our RetroReview of last year’s show. Syrens of the South Productions presents the 6th Annual Tits for Toys for Tots Burlesque Show at The Five Spot in Little Five Points. Tickets are $20, or $10 with the donation of a new unwrapped toy worth $5.

Krampus Krawl

Have you been naughty? Celebrate the German anti-Santa with the annual Little 5 Points Krampus Krawl. Meet behind the Plaza Theater at  9 p.m. and meander your way through Little 5 Points singing carols and raising money for Toys for Tots. Make sure you dress up as Krampus! Mixtape Atlanta’s annual holiday bash X-Mix 2012 is back and this time it’s at Smith’s Olde Bar and features Kool Kats The District Attorneys along with several other rocking bands. Cover is $10 plus 2 cans of food; the money benefits Songs for Kids and the cans go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Come out to Cooper’s Corner to party with classic rock cover band, Rockasaurus, at 9 p.m. Head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Mudcat. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, Dec. 9

Holy Cow, Batman! It’s time for the Atlanta Comic Con at the Marriott Hotel Century Center! Nathan Massengill, current artist of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, and other comic favorites will be signing autographs, walkers from The Walking Dead will be there, along with several other comic artists and writers. Tony Bryant’s music represents four generations of family Georgia Blues going back to the turn of the 2th century when music was an expression of life. Listen to his musical history lesson at Fat Matt’s at 1:45 p.m. Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern and enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with Spanky and the Love Handles playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Seasonal Activities

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ official stage adaptation of the Rankin-Bass misfit Christmas TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is back for a third year with Rudolph, Clarisse, Hermie, Yukon and all the beloved characters. Read our interview with adapter/director and Center Artistic Director Jon Ludwig here. Now through Jan. 6.

Take part in an Atlanta tradition dating back more than 50 years! The Pink Pig is back at Macy’s in Lenox Square Mall. Ride the Macy’s Pink Pig Train on top of the Lenox Square Mall through the 170-ft., 1950’s themed Pink Pig Tent. A portion of the ride’s proceeds will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Pink Pig will be at Lenox until Jan. 1.

All this week at The Horizon Theater, catch David Sedaris’ THE SANTALAND DIARIES. An outrageous holiday comedy, written by award-winning satirical writer David Sedaris, stars Crumpet, a rebel without a Clause who recounts the true-life tale of an out-of-work writer’s stint as a Macy’s Department Store elf. Now through Dec. 30.

Award-winning Dad’s Garage offers a new take on the humbug Christmas classic with INVASION: CHRISTMAS CAROL. This nutty interpretation of the Dickens’ favorite throws all the conventional aspects of the story out the window, replacing them with a delicious improv flavor as different spirits visit every evening, to the surprise of even the cast! Shows run through Dec. 23 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, enjoy the 3rd annual WINTER WONDERLAND, featuring trees and other displays from around the world. New this year will be special photo opportunities with Fernbank’s holiday mascot, Santa-saurus and hop aboard the Santa-saurus Express train, through Jan. 6.

Ongoing

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013.

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History. Closes January 21, 2013.

Monday, Nov. 26

Make your way over to The Five Spot if you’ve got A Case of the Mondays With Style – Pay What You Can Cover! Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to check out Pead Boy & The Pork Bellys at 1:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 27

Inspired by the Jean Cocteau classic movie, the Broadway musical version of the Disney hit, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, starts a one-week run at the Fox Theater. Catch this week’s retro cinema classic, WEST SIDE STORY (1961) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern, directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise and starring Natalie Wood, George Chakiris and Richard Beymer. Come out to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to listen to the high-energy jazz sounds of the Jacob Deaton Trio at 6:30 p.m. Check out the Tommy Dean Trio at the Georgia Shrimp Company in Peachtree City as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul and great American songbook standards. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. The Crosstown Allstars are rocking the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Enjoy an acoustic evening with Ray LaMontagne at the Cobb Energy Centre at 8 p.m. Make your way down to The Basement to catch Nathaniel Rappole’s solo project, Gull, a living, breathing, squawking drum that cries out popular music from the past 50 years and delivers it from a single unique perspective. Come out to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to listen to the sweet blues of The Breeze Kings at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party! Frankie’s Blues Mission is on a mission to bring the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern.

Thursday, Nov. 29

Check out Duncan Sheik at Smith’s Olde Bar as he plays songs off his latest album, COVERS 80S REMIXED. Some of the songs covered in his album include hits by The Cure, New Order, Tears for Fears, the Smiths, the Psychedelic Furs, the Thompson Twins and Love & Rockets. Did he ever get Jessie’s Girl? Make sure to check out Rick Springfield at the Cobb Energy Centre at 8 p.m. and maybe he will finally give us the answer. It is the last Thursday of the month which means it’s time for Disco Balls at Mary’s! DJ NoTech and guests spin deep dirty disco – Frisco Disco, Crisco Disco, Munich Disco, Italo Disco, Nu Disco, Funky Disco and even some House and little 80s Pop to round things out. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, WEST SIDE STORY (1961) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s 80s vs 90s Thursdays at The Shelter. New Wave classics versus Booty-shaking Eurodance will get your moving and rare and underground music videos will be playing on the screens throughout night. Get your groove back at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint with The Mar-Tans at 7 p.m. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s.

Bernadette Seacrest.

Friday, Nov. 30

Hey Jude, it doesn’t have to be A Hard Day’s Night when you go to The Buckhead Theater to catch The Fab Four perform classic Beatles hits. “Ed Sullivan” hosts the show, the doors open at 7 p.m. (the actual entranceway, not another cover band), and tickets are $36. Yes, the Cigar Store Indians are still around and you can hear their rockabilly sound at Smith’s Olde Bar at 8 p.m. THE BIRDS (1963), directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren and Suzanne Pleshette, closes out Hitchcock Month at The Plaza. Make sure to check out Robert Emmett Murphy’s Retro Review here soon. Film Love presents Jack Smith’s NORMAL LOVE at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Part satire on heterosexuality, part horror film, part comedy, this film is an act of queer cinematography and an essential part of the story of underground film. Shriek Theatre Movie Night presents IRON SKY (2012) at DooGallery at 8 p.m. Directed by Timo Vuorensola and starring Julia Dietze, Christopher Kirby and Götz Otto, check out our Retro Review of the hit Finnish B-movie about Nazis on the moon which sold out The Plaza last summer. The Ron Kimble Band plays southern rock at Cooper’s Corner in Grayson and The Tone Prophets are at Fat Matt’s. Head over to Big Tex Cantina to listen to the jazz stylings of the Frank Barham Quartet or to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Robert Lee Coleman. Kool Kat Bernadette Seacrest will be performing under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Have toys or sci-fi collectibles you want to get rid of or conversely to stock up on geeky gifts? Check out the Local Atlanta Geek Garage Sale from noon until 5 p.m. at 1254 Murphy. Saturday is also a big night for tribute shows to classic rock and jazz favorites. Neil Diamond tribute band Nine Inch Neils and Rolling Stones tribute band Jagged Stones are Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, a zany fundraiser at House of the Rock for it and Lutheran Community Food Ministries which does amazing work for the homeless in Midtown. Suggested donation is $10, and there’s also a canned food drive. Jagged Stones’ Keef will be Kool Kat of the Week posting soon. Swing on down to the 4th Annual Merry Y’all Tide Celebration with The Whiskey Gentry, featuring recent Kool Kat Lauren Staley Morrow, and neo-ragtime sensation Kool Kat Blair Crimmins & The Hookers at Variety Playhouse. And because everyone loves a man in uniform, the Marines will be in attendance collecting for Toys For Tots, so please bring un unwrapped toy! If rockabilly and honkytonk is more your style, Reverend Andy presents Hillbilly Casino Atlanta Cri’muh Show with Kool Kats Ghost Riders Car Club and Kool Kat Cletis & His City Cousins. Doors open at 9 p.m. and make sure to come early because the first 25 people to walk through the door at this Christmas show will receive a special Christmas gift from Hillbilly Casino. Catch another screening of THE BIRDS (1963), directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren and Suzanne Pleshette at The Plaza. Enjoy a night of great live music at The Earl with Smith’s cover band, Smithsonian. Indulge the five-second sensation of Odorama at the Plaza Theater during Blast-off Burlesque presents Taboo-La-La, featuring a fun floorshow and the John Waters cult classic POLYESTER (1981), starring Divine, Tab Hunter and Edith Massey. Head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Mudcat. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Kitty Love

Sunday, Dec. 2

Kitty Love’s Sultry Sundays at Red Light Café presents Bernadette Seacrest and Cheeky Belles Burlesque. Ahh, the glory days of Alt Rock 90s. Make your way over to The Masquerade to relive the nostalgia with Everclear and Eve 6 performing at 7 p.m. in Heaven. Hitchcock Month comes to an end with a final screening of THE BIRDS (1963) at The Plaza. Get yourself to The Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite to partake in an amazing world market, silent auction, and gourmet baked goods at the Jingle Bell Jubilee. Tony Bryant’s music represents four generations of family Georgia Blues going back to the turn of the 2th century when music was an expression of life. Listen to his musical history lesson at Fat Matt’s at 1:45 p.m. Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern and enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with Bonaventure Quartet playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Seasonal Activities

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ official stage adaptation of the Rankin-Bass misfit Christmas TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is back for a third year with Rudolph, Clarisse, Hermie, Yukon and all the beloved characters. Read our interview with adapter/director and Center Artistic Director Jon Ludwig here. Now through Jan. 6.

Take part in an Atlanta tradition dating back more than 50 years! The Pink Pig is back at Macy’s in Lenox Square Mall. Ride the Macy’s Pink Pig Train on top of the Lenox Square Mall through the 170-ft., 1950’s themed Pink Pig Tent. A portion of the ride’s proceeds will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Pink Pig will be at Lenox until Jan. 1.

All this week at The Horizon Theater, catch David Sedaris in THE SANTALAND DIARIES. An outrageous holiday comedy, written by award-winning satirical writer David Sedaris, stars Crumpet, a rebel without a Clause who recounts the true-life tale of an out-of-work writer’s stint as a Macy’s Department Store elf.

Award-winning Dad’s Garage offers a new take on the humbug Christmas classic with INVASION: CHRISTMAS CAROL. This nutty interpretation of the Dickens’ favorite throws all the conventional aspects of the story out the window, replacing them with a delicious improv flavor as different spirits visit every evening, to the surprise of even the cast!  Shows run through Dec. 23 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, enjoy the rd annual WINTER WONDERLAND, featuring trees and other displays from around the world.  New this year will be special photo opportunities with Fernbank’s holiday mascot, Santa-saurus and hop aboard the Santa-saurus Express train, through Jan. 6.

Ongoing

The Plaza Theater presents Hitchcock Month! Classic Hitchcock movies are remastered in high definition. Movies play every weekend in November thru December 2.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013.

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History.  Closes January 21, 2013.

By Zohra Yaqub
Calendar Editor

Monday, Nov. 19

Check out ’80s supergroup, Asia, at Variety Playhouse at 8 p.m.  The 30th anniversary tour will feature all of the original members and tickets are $40. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast followed by Pead Boy & The Pork Bellys.

Tuesday, Nov. 20

Make your way down the yellow brick road to catch this week’s retro cinema classic, THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Directed by Victor Fleming and starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan and Ray Bolger. Contraband Cinema presents DOUBLE TAKE (2009), a film by Johan Grimonprez, about the life of Alfred Hitchcock, his double, the cold war, space race, sexual politics and television’s attack on cinema at the Plaza Theatre. Come out to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to listen to classically-trained trumpeter and pianist and “History of Jazz” lecturer, Dave Scott, play at 6:30 p.m. Slim Chickens rustle their feathers at The Five Spot at 10 p.m. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. The Crosstown Allstars are rocking the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Photo courtesy of Yacht Rock Revue.

Wednesday, Nov. 21

Atlanta’s own Angie Aparo is playing at Eddie’s Attic at 8 p.m. Give Thanks to the 80s with VJ Anthony playing New Wave 80s music and videos all night long at The Shelter. Get there early for free admission until 11 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar is the place to be if you miss the sweet sounds ’70s light rock. Yacht Rock Revue will be taking the stage at 8 p.m., and $20 will get you a ticket to a rock show that is simultaneously a tribute, an original act and a comedic troupe. Head over to The Five Spot at 9 p.m. to catch a rare glimpse of country-folk singer, Adam Klein & the Wild Fires, perform West African inspired music. Whiskey Belt will also be playing some boot-stomping honkytonk covers of Grand Ole Opry classics. When Mel Gibson was young and cool, he starred in THE ROAD WARRIOR, his second time playing loner drifter Mad Max and one of the greatest road chase movies of all time set in a post-apocalypse Australia. Read our Retro Review by Andrew Kemp and be thankful for the rare opportunity to see him take on Wez and The Toadie again at the Plaza Theatre.Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party! Frankie’s Blues Mission is on a mission to bring the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the gospel blues to Northside Tavern.

Thursday, Nov. 22  Thanksgiving

Wake up from your food-induced coma and dance off those turkey calories at Off Yer Head: Britpop + Indie at Mary’s. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s.

Friday, Nov. 23

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are playing at The Buckhead Theater with The Whigs, Lera Lynn, and Kool Kats The District Attorneys. Col. Bruce Hampton & The Pharaoh Kitchen are playing Smith’s Olde Bar with Frankie’s Blues Mission at 8 p.m. The Plaza Theater‘s Hitchcock Month continues withe VERTIGO (1958), playing all weekend. Read our Retro Review by Aleck Bennett on why this one of Hitchcock’s greatest. The Ron Kimble Band plays southern rock at Cooper’s Corner in Grayson and Leonard Blush is at Fat Matt’s. Head over to Big Tex Cantina to enjoy a fun night of 60s music with Cruise-O-Matic or head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck. Electromatics will be performing a lively combo of Chicago and West Coast blues, blue-eyed soul and an essence of standard jazz and Sinatra under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Nov. 24

Kool Kat Mon Cherie presents CHAMBER REUNION 2 in Hell at The Masquerade. Fetish and Burlesque performances, aerial artists and an adult playground celebrate the legacy of the iconic Atlanta nightclub, all for a $12 advanced ticket, which will also get you a free raffle ticket. Mannheim Steamroller’s annual holiday tour will roll into town at the Fox Theatre at 8 p.m. Keep on moving at the ROCK AND SOUL DANCE PARTY at The Basement at Graveyard Tavern. DJs Jacob Jones and Reno Bo spin a variety of soul, 50s and 60s rock, funk, Motown, blues, and deep cuts from the best era of music since Chuck Berry sang “Johnny B Goode” and “Rock Around The Clock” started riots. Catch rare screenings of legendary cult vampire film GANJA AND HESS (1973) and ERASERHEAD (1977), David Lynch’s first feature-length film and starring Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart and Allen Joseph, as part of the ongoing Saturday MOMA AMERICAN INDIES series at the High Museum of Art.  Enjoy a night of great live music at the Drunken Unicorn with Tedo Stone, England in 1819, and Absence of Ocean. Check out the Tommy Dean Trio at Big Tex Cantina as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul and great American songbook standards. Catch Sly Dog at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for another night of blues with Mudcat. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, Nov. 25

Tony Bryant plays the blues at Fat Matt’s. His music represents four generations of family Georgia blues going back to the turn of the 20th century when music was an expression of life. Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern, and enjoy some bluegrass with Cedar Hill at Big Tex at noon. Enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with Little Tybee playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

The Plaza Theater presents Hitchcock Month! Classic Hitchcock movies are remastered in high definition. Movies play every weekend in November thru December 2. Read our exclusive preview here.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out these classics on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History.  Closes January 21, 2013.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.